1 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:02,899 At athenahealth, 2 00:00:03,279 --> 00:00:06,480 we know your ambulatory practice wants healthier, a 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:09,779 healthier business, healthier care teams, and healthier patients. 4 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:12,480 But the complexities of modern health care tech 5 00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:14,240 make it hard for you and your care 6 00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:15,855 teams to focus on what matters 7 00:00:16,414 --> 00:00:19,295 most? That's where athenahealth can help. Our AI 8 00:00:19,295 --> 00:00:22,594 native all in one solutions reduce administrative burdens, 9 00:00:22,894 --> 00:00:25,875 streamline billing and payments, and deliver critical insights 10 00:00:25,934 --> 00:00:28,734 when clinicians need it most. That means fewer 11 00:00:28,734 --> 00:00:31,614 clicks, more time for patients, and stronger bottom 12 00:00:31,614 --> 00:00:31,829 lines. 13 00:00:32,549 --> 00:00:35,590 Lines. Practicing medicine is complex, but running a 14 00:00:35,590 --> 00:00:37,850 practice can be that much simpler with athenahealth. 15 00:00:38,549 --> 00:00:42,170 See how simpler is healthier@athenahealth.com. 16 00:00:43,925 --> 00:00:45,445 Hello, everyone. This is Scott King with the 17 00:00:45,445 --> 00:00:48,085 Becker's Healthcare Podcast. Thrilled today to be joined 18 00:00:48,085 --> 00:00:51,204 by a very special guest, Cynthia Salisbury, assistant 19 00:00:51,204 --> 00:00:53,225 executive director nursing operations 20 00:00:53,605 --> 00:00:55,784 at Providence. Cynthia, how are you doing today? 21 00:00:56,730 --> 00:00:59,370 I'm great, Scott. How are you? I'm good. 22 00:00:59,370 --> 00:01:00,570 Thanks so much for joining us. You know, 23 00:01:00,570 --> 00:01:02,010 we have a lot to to get to, 24 00:01:02,010 --> 00:01:03,550 a lot of important things, obviously, 25 00:01:03,929 --> 00:01:05,689 happening in health care. But before we do 26 00:01:05,689 --> 00:01:06,969 that, I just wanted to see if you 27 00:01:06,969 --> 00:01:08,969 can please introduce yourself a little bit and 28 00:01:08,969 --> 00:01:10,270 just tell us about your background. 29 00:01:11,614 --> 00:01:13,694 Sure. Yes. Thank you for having me. I'm 30 00:01:13,694 --> 00:01:15,795 happy to be here. So Cynthia Salisbury. 31 00:01:16,254 --> 00:01:18,814 I, I am a nurse. I have, practiced 32 00:01:18,814 --> 00:01:20,974 in a nurse as a nurse practitioner as 33 00:01:20,974 --> 00:01:22,114 well in the past. 34 00:01:22,494 --> 00:01:23,954 Prior to moving into, 35 00:01:24,575 --> 00:01:25,474 health care administration, 36 00:01:26,174 --> 00:01:28,819 I started my role in health care administration 37 00:01:28,959 --> 00:01:29,700 and quality, 38 00:01:30,159 --> 00:01:32,079 and then I served for over a decade 39 00:01:32,079 --> 00:01:34,500 as the regional chief quality officer, 40 00:01:35,840 --> 00:01:38,420 for the Texas, New Mexico region of Providence. 41 00:01:38,560 --> 00:01:40,004 And and then they're focusing 42 00:01:48,244 --> 00:01:50,825 chief nurse executive role, also with Providence. 43 00:01:52,084 --> 00:01:53,064 When I was in that role, 44 00:01:53,524 --> 00:01:57,469 I actually worked with our system level chief 45 00:01:57,469 --> 00:01:59,170 nursing officer, Syl Trocagnier, 46 00:01:59,789 --> 00:02:02,930 to develop and then to implement and pilot 47 00:02:03,149 --> 00:02:05,950 our virtual nursing program at Providence known as 48 00:02:05,950 --> 00:02:07,250 the co caring program. 49 00:02:08,104 --> 00:02:11,245 From there, I, moved to the north division 50 00:02:11,305 --> 00:02:13,625 chief nursing officer where I served in the 51 00:02:13,625 --> 00:02:16,104 Puget Sound in Washington state as well as 52 00:02:16,104 --> 00:02:16,604 Alaska. 53 00:02:17,384 --> 00:02:20,039 And as our co caring virtual nursing program 54 00:02:20,120 --> 00:02:21,819 started to really take off, 55 00:02:22,599 --> 00:02:25,959 I moved to the enterprise level and joined 56 00:02:25,959 --> 00:02:27,500 the SILL as the 57 00:02:27,879 --> 00:02:31,340 system level chief nursing I'm I'm sorry, executive 58 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:31,900 director 59 00:02:32,439 --> 00:02:32,939 of, 60 00:02:33,985 --> 00:02:36,245 nursing operations serving the system. 61 00:02:36,705 --> 00:02:39,745 And in this role, now I focus on 62 00:02:39,745 --> 00:02:42,865 innovation, new models of care, and application of 63 00:02:42,865 --> 00:02:44,805 technology to nursing care delivery. 64 00:02:46,030 --> 00:02:47,870 Well, thank you for sharing that that background 65 00:02:47,870 --> 00:02:50,370 information. It's incredibly impressive to hear 66 00:02:50,669 --> 00:02:53,069 how many different sectors of a health system 67 00:02:53,069 --> 00:02:55,090 you've worked in. I mean, you've you've gotten 68 00:02:55,389 --> 00:02:57,629 so much great experience in different areas, it 69 00:02:57,629 --> 00:02:58,370 sounds like. 70 00:02:59,634 --> 00:03:01,794 Yes. It's amazing. You know? And looking back, 71 00:03:01,794 --> 00:03:03,715 you never know where your career is gonna 72 00:03:03,715 --> 00:03:06,034 take you. But as I look back on 73 00:03:06,034 --> 00:03:07,634 it, it has really, 74 00:03:08,034 --> 00:03:10,754 prepared me for this role today, which, which 75 00:03:10,754 --> 00:03:12,614 I which I just absolutely love. 76 00:03:13,379 --> 00:03:14,979 Absolutely. I I think that kind of brings 77 00:03:14,979 --> 00:03:16,840 us to our first question. You know, you're 78 00:03:17,379 --> 00:03:19,459 with your experience, you're ready to address a 79 00:03:19,459 --> 00:03:21,620 lot of the challenges in health care that 80 00:03:21,620 --> 00:03:23,240 we're seeing, and there are a lot of 81 00:03:23,379 --> 00:03:25,479 challenges and headwinds right now, obviously. 82 00:03:25,939 --> 00:03:28,814 My question is, what opportunities and headwinds do 83 00:03:28,814 --> 00:03:30,594 you have your eye on right now? 84 00:03:32,254 --> 00:03:33,295 Yeah. You know, 85 00:03:33,694 --> 00:03:36,655 many systems right now, I think, are feeling 86 00:03:36,655 --> 00:03:39,694 some relief from the extreme nursing shortages that 87 00:03:39,694 --> 00:03:41,909 we experienced over the past several years. 88 00:03:42,769 --> 00:03:45,250 And I, I think many of my colleagues 89 00:03:45,250 --> 00:03:46,389 may be getting complacent 90 00:03:46,769 --> 00:03:48,549 thinking that the threat is over, 91 00:03:49,169 --> 00:03:51,569 but this is not the case. So if 92 00:03:51,569 --> 00:03:52,389 we consider 93 00:03:52,769 --> 00:03:55,250 the baby boomer population now and in the 94 00:03:55,250 --> 00:03:56,069 near future 95 00:03:57,215 --> 00:03:59,615 leading to a large increase in our aging 96 00:03:59,615 --> 00:04:00,115 population 97 00:04:01,215 --> 00:04:04,414 along with fewer nursing graduates to meet the 98 00:04:04,414 --> 00:04:06,435 predicted demand for care 99 00:04:07,134 --> 00:04:10,675 and the average age of our current RN, 100 00:04:11,039 --> 00:04:11,539 staff 101 00:04:12,639 --> 00:04:13,139 nursing. 102 00:04:14,959 --> 00:04:17,519 And so then leading to higher expected rates 103 00:04:17,519 --> 00:04:18,259 of retirement 104 00:04:18,560 --> 00:04:20,639 and the need to step away from bedside 105 00:04:20,639 --> 00:04:21,139 care. 106 00:04:21,439 --> 00:04:24,319 So considering all of those things, we really 107 00:04:24,319 --> 00:04:27,134 must continue to prepare for our future so 108 00:04:27,134 --> 00:04:29,134 we do not end up repeating what we 109 00:04:29,134 --> 00:04:31,694 just went through, which was an extreme shortage 110 00:04:31,694 --> 00:04:33,314 of our end serving at the bedside, 111 00:04:33,774 --> 00:04:36,495 threatening the ability for us to effectively meet 112 00:04:36,495 --> 00:04:38,675 the growing care needs of our communities 113 00:04:39,214 --> 00:04:41,875 because this truly remains a very real threat. 114 00:04:42,699 --> 00:04:45,199 So in in in really kind of watching 115 00:04:45,660 --> 00:04:47,360 that and and understanding 116 00:04:47,740 --> 00:04:50,300 that is the true forecast for our future 117 00:04:50,300 --> 00:04:51,920 in health care and in nursing, 118 00:04:52,540 --> 00:04:54,699 I really do have my eye on the 119 00:04:54,699 --> 00:04:57,964 expansion of technology and nursing care delivery to 120 00:04:57,964 --> 00:05:00,764 enhance the experience and efficiency of our nursing 121 00:05:00,764 --> 00:05:01,264 workforce 122 00:05:02,204 --> 00:05:05,664 and really leaning in to this technology 123 00:05:05,964 --> 00:05:08,444 to serve as a resource for creating the 124 00:05:08,444 --> 00:05:10,464 best place to provide and reserve 125 00:05:10,845 --> 00:05:12,064 and receive care 126 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:14,060 in terms of experience, 127 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,339 outcomes, and operational efficiency 128 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:18,860 or cost of care. 129 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:20,379 So I'm very interested 130 00:05:20,920 --> 00:05:21,580 in removing, 131 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:24,120 the burden from our nurses, and I know 132 00:05:24,120 --> 00:05:26,360 many of my colleagues are are are right 133 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:28,675 there with me in that. So we're looking 134 00:05:28,675 --> 00:05:33,095 at administrative documentation burden, cognitive burden, alarm fatigue. 135 00:05:33,715 --> 00:05:36,035 And so we really need to lean into 136 00:05:36,035 --> 00:05:38,115 technology to serve as a resource to our 137 00:05:38,115 --> 00:05:41,654 newer nurses as well to support enhancing competence 138 00:05:41,715 --> 00:05:42,455 and confidence. 139 00:05:43,439 --> 00:05:45,759 And we need to allow all disciplines on 140 00:05:45,759 --> 00:05:47,759 the care team to work at their highest 141 00:05:47,759 --> 00:05:50,100 scope through the use of our tech resources 142 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:53,060 that can create efficiencies in our workflows. 143 00:05:53,759 --> 00:05:56,080 So I definitely have my eye on continuing 144 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:58,274 to expand our virtual nursing, 145 00:05:58,895 --> 00:06:01,875 program, virtual care in total in the inpatient 146 00:06:02,014 --> 00:06:02,514 space, 147 00:06:02,895 --> 00:06:05,295 as well as leaning into other tech solutions, 148 00:06:05,295 --> 00:06:06,355 including AI. 149 00:06:07,855 --> 00:06:08,975 You know, Cynthia, I thought it was really 150 00:06:08,975 --> 00:06:10,355 interesting you used the term 151 00:06:10,889 --> 00:06:11,389 complacency. 152 00:06:11,769 --> 00:06:13,870 And just a follow-up question to that, 153 00:06:14,330 --> 00:06:16,029 do you think some of your 154 00:06:16,490 --> 00:06:18,589 colleagues or or people you're referring to 155 00:06:19,050 --> 00:06:20,430 may be complacent 156 00:06:21,050 --> 00:06:23,370 because they kinda use COVID as a barometer 157 00:06:23,370 --> 00:06:24,810 for a headwind? You know, saying like, oh, 158 00:06:24,810 --> 00:06:26,055 you know, we got through COVID. We can 159 00:06:26,055 --> 00:06:27,735 get through anything. Do you think that maybe 160 00:06:27,735 --> 00:06:28,714 factors into it? 161 00:06:29,654 --> 00:06:31,814 I think that could factor into it. And, 162 00:06:31,814 --> 00:06:34,214 also, I think that, you know, whenever we 163 00:06:34,214 --> 00:06:36,714 were going through COVID and recovering from COVID, 164 00:06:37,014 --> 00:06:39,175 all of us were feeling that shortage of 165 00:06:39,175 --> 00:06:41,470 our end working at the bedside. We it 166 00:06:41,550 --> 00:06:42,189 we we were, 167 00:06:42,750 --> 00:06:45,310 really having to rely on our agency nurses 168 00:06:45,310 --> 00:06:46,829 to come in and help us to provide 169 00:06:46,829 --> 00:06:48,829 the care that we needed. And now we're 170 00:06:48,829 --> 00:06:50,689 we're starting to see that, 171 00:06:51,470 --> 00:06:54,430 really lessen, and and we are able to, 172 00:06:54,589 --> 00:06:57,485 you know, retention has gone up, has has 173 00:06:57,485 --> 00:06:57,985 improved. 174 00:06:59,085 --> 00:07:01,485 Our recruitment has improved. And so as we 175 00:07:01,485 --> 00:07:02,925 start to see all of these, which are 176 00:07:02,925 --> 00:07:05,105 providing great relief, and that's wonderful, 177 00:07:05,725 --> 00:07:07,725 I think there's a tendency to say, okay. 178 00:07:07,725 --> 00:07:10,379 It's over. Like, we're good now. Right. And, 179 00:07:10,699 --> 00:07:12,860 and and that, I think, can be, a 180 00:07:12,860 --> 00:07:14,939 a a definite risk if if we become 181 00:07:14,939 --> 00:07:16,860 too complacent in that. We need to look 182 00:07:16,860 --> 00:07:19,099 forward to our future and what is in 183 00:07:19,099 --> 00:07:21,419 store for us and know that, you know, 184 00:07:21,419 --> 00:07:22,959 we have to be smart today 185 00:07:23,264 --> 00:07:25,185 so we don't end up in that same 186 00:07:25,185 --> 00:07:26,485 situation in the future. 187 00:07:27,264 --> 00:07:28,004 100%. 188 00:07:28,064 --> 00:07:30,064 And you mentioned recruitment. A lot of times, 189 00:07:30,064 --> 00:07:31,204 obviously, you see, 190 00:07:31,824 --> 00:07:32,324 recruitments, 191 00:07:33,745 --> 00:07:35,904 lead to growth for a system. But how 192 00:07:35,904 --> 00:07:38,699 are you thinking about growth and adding value 193 00:07:38,699 --> 00:07:39,360 to your 194 00:07:41,259 --> 00:07:43,180 organization? Well, you know, one of the most 195 00:07:43,180 --> 00:07:45,360 important things is truly understanding 196 00:07:46,379 --> 00:07:46,879 what 197 00:07:47,259 --> 00:07:49,519 the largest pain points are 198 00:07:49,899 --> 00:07:52,159 and what are the true opportunities 199 00:07:52,699 --> 00:07:56,084 within within within our health system. Right? So 200 00:07:56,084 --> 00:07:57,704 really identifying those 201 00:07:58,084 --> 00:07:58,584 first 202 00:07:59,125 --> 00:08:00,504 and then understanding 203 00:08:00,964 --> 00:08:01,464 precisely 204 00:08:02,004 --> 00:08:02,504 how 205 00:08:02,884 --> 00:08:04,024 the the technology, 206 00:08:04,485 --> 00:08:07,305 the different solutions that are available to us 207 00:08:07,365 --> 00:08:08,665 are going to address 208 00:08:09,259 --> 00:08:11,600 those opportunities, those pain points. 209 00:08:12,060 --> 00:08:14,220 And then finally, what it will mean for 210 00:08:14,220 --> 00:08:16,860 our team, what effort will it take from 211 00:08:16,860 --> 00:08:17,519 our team 212 00:08:18,139 --> 00:08:21,360 to optimize and realize the full vision 213 00:08:21,894 --> 00:08:22,794 for the application 214 00:08:23,254 --> 00:08:25,115 of this solution to care delivery. 215 00:08:25,574 --> 00:08:27,834 So all of those components are necessary 216 00:08:28,214 --> 00:08:30,615 for the development of a smart road map 217 00:08:30,615 --> 00:08:31,435 and strategy. 218 00:08:32,054 --> 00:08:33,595 So after the identification 219 00:08:34,470 --> 00:08:37,029 of that, then we have to prepare our 220 00:08:37,029 --> 00:08:37,529 team 221 00:08:38,069 --> 00:08:40,730 for engagement and embracing that technology, 222 00:08:41,350 --> 00:08:42,409 including AI, 223 00:08:42,870 --> 00:08:44,329 and in doing so effectively. 224 00:08:45,350 --> 00:08:48,569 So this involves change in how we practice 225 00:08:48,629 --> 00:08:49,129 today 226 00:08:49,625 --> 00:08:52,664 to ensure that these resources function optimally and 227 00:08:52,664 --> 00:08:54,524 provide the intended benefits. 228 00:08:55,544 --> 00:08:57,544 So we have to align our teams with 229 00:08:57,544 --> 00:08:58,204 this vision, 230 00:08:58,745 --> 00:09:02,024 gain their confidence, alleviate their fear through being 231 00:09:02,024 --> 00:09:02,524 very 232 00:09:15,389 --> 00:09:18,184 done so that they then are invested in 233 00:09:18,184 --> 00:09:20,745 making the changes that will be necessary in 234 00:09:20,745 --> 00:09:21,485 their practice. 235 00:09:21,785 --> 00:09:23,485 And that has to begin now 236 00:09:24,024 --> 00:09:26,285 so that we, so that we are able 237 00:09:26,345 --> 00:09:28,205 to be successful in adoption 238 00:09:28,825 --> 00:09:30,904 as well as in realization of the true 239 00:09:30,904 --> 00:09:33,039 benefits of the of these solutions. 240 00:09:34,940 --> 00:09:36,059 Yeah. And, you know, a lot of times 241 00:09:36,059 --> 00:09:37,419 you have to a system has to make 242 00:09:37,419 --> 00:09:39,740 investments to see that that change you're referring 243 00:09:39,740 --> 00:09:41,179 to. And I wanted to ask you, what's 244 00:09:41,179 --> 00:09:44,559 one risk or investment worth making this year? 245 00:09:46,954 --> 00:09:48,174 So I'll tell you. 246 00:09:49,034 --> 00:09:50,794 What I see is the biggest risk right 247 00:09:50,794 --> 00:09:53,274 now is being stagnant, like we were talking 248 00:09:53,274 --> 00:09:56,475 about. Yeah. Just being stagnant, doing nothing, or 249 00:09:56,475 --> 00:09:59,134 continuing to follow the status quo and 250 00:09:59,459 --> 00:10:02,120 convincing ourselves that everything will be alright. 251 00:10:03,059 --> 00:10:05,399 We are in a massive time of transformation 252 00:10:05,620 --> 00:10:07,939 in health care, and we have to step 253 00:10:07,939 --> 00:10:09,879 up. We have to get on the bus 254 00:10:10,100 --> 00:10:11,879 or get left in the dust 255 00:10:12,284 --> 00:10:14,365 struggling to catch up. And and I think 256 00:10:14,365 --> 00:10:16,365 that this is going to be a very 257 00:10:16,365 --> 00:10:17,424 difficult struggle 258 00:10:17,804 --> 00:10:19,745 for those who do not act now. 259 00:10:20,284 --> 00:10:22,204 So for us here at Providence, we are 260 00:10:22,204 --> 00:10:25,084 continuing to enhance our utilization of virtual health 261 00:10:25,084 --> 00:10:26,544 in the acute care space, 262 00:10:27,500 --> 00:10:30,379 including in nursing, spreading to additional care areas 263 00:10:30,379 --> 00:10:31,600 and patient populations, 264 00:10:32,299 --> 00:10:34,539 and then also spreading the use of this 265 00:10:34,539 --> 00:10:36,320 technology to other disciplines 266 00:10:36,860 --> 00:10:38,320 to enhance the interdisciplinary 267 00:10:38,860 --> 00:10:40,480 practice of the care team, 268 00:10:40,964 --> 00:10:44,024 creating efficiencies in care and increasing the experience, 269 00:10:44,324 --> 00:10:46,245 the quality, and the cost of care for 270 00:10:46,245 --> 00:10:48,964 our patients, and really looking at the full 271 00:10:48,964 --> 00:10:51,125 continuum of care as well and having it 272 00:10:51,125 --> 00:10:53,284 translate from the acute care space to the 273 00:10:53,284 --> 00:10:54,584 ambulatory space 274 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:57,980 to foster health, in the community as well. 275 00:10:58,600 --> 00:10:59,960 Another thing is, 276 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:02,519 looking at the hospital room of the future. 277 00:11:02,519 --> 00:11:04,279 I know many systems are doing this as 278 00:11:04,279 --> 00:11:06,379 well, and that really involves integration 279 00:11:06,680 --> 00:11:07,420 of solutions. 280 00:11:07,960 --> 00:11:10,059 So everything works together cohesively, 281 00:11:11,054 --> 00:11:14,335 creating one effective and efficient model of care 282 00:11:14,335 --> 00:11:14,835 delivery. 283 00:11:15,375 --> 00:11:16,115 So interoperability 284 00:11:16,575 --> 00:11:18,195 is essential and redundancy, 285 00:11:18,815 --> 00:11:20,754 and we must eliminate redundancy 286 00:11:21,134 --> 00:11:21,875 of solutions, 287 00:11:22,414 --> 00:11:24,514 including software and hardware. 288 00:11:25,269 --> 00:11:26,809 We have to be more streamlined. 289 00:11:27,190 --> 00:11:29,750 We can't continue to function as as kind 290 00:11:29,750 --> 00:11:32,649 of like hoarders in how we adopt solutions, 291 00:11:32,709 --> 00:11:34,309 and then and then we'll end up looking 292 00:11:34,309 --> 00:11:36,309 like we should be on some kinda, you 293 00:11:36,309 --> 00:11:37,929 know, hardware technology 294 00:11:38,674 --> 00:11:39,414 hoarder solute 295 00:11:40,034 --> 00:11:40,695 show, right, 296 00:11:41,154 --> 00:11:43,894 with a mess of solutions and equipment everywhere, 297 00:11:44,274 --> 00:11:47,554 but nothing actually being used because it's not 298 00:11:47,554 --> 00:11:49,334 optimized to its full potential. 299 00:11:50,274 --> 00:11:51,954 So to really do this right, it takes 300 00:11:51,954 --> 00:11:53,574 diligence, it takes discernment, 301 00:11:53,875 --> 00:11:55,570 and strong interdisciplinary 302 00:11:56,269 --> 00:11:57,170 and interdepartmental 303 00:11:57,790 --> 00:11:58,290 collaboration 304 00:11:59,230 --> 00:12:01,790 to determine the best solutions and then to 305 00:12:01,790 --> 00:12:02,290 standardize 306 00:12:02,830 --> 00:12:05,009 and optimize for your system. 307 00:12:05,550 --> 00:12:07,570 So we have to invest the time 308 00:12:07,975 --> 00:12:10,774 and the effort in preparing our teams for 309 00:12:10,774 --> 00:12:11,514 this success. 310 00:12:12,054 --> 00:12:14,054 And, you know, the financial investment is a 311 00:12:14,054 --> 00:12:16,215 hard one to talk about particularly in these 312 00:12:16,215 --> 00:12:18,855 times, but we can't forget about that other 313 00:12:18,855 --> 00:12:21,335 really important investment, and that is time and 314 00:12:21,335 --> 00:12:21,835 effort. 315 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:24,519 We have to get on board now. The 316 00:12:24,519 --> 00:12:27,240 time is now to start to prepare our 317 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:27,740 teams. 318 00:12:28,279 --> 00:12:31,100 So we have to identify the highest priority 319 00:12:31,159 --> 00:12:31,659 opportunities, 320 00:12:32,279 --> 00:12:35,080 the available and evolving solutions that can truly 321 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,299 address these challenges, 322 00:12:37,065 --> 00:12:39,065 determine our strategy. Are we gonna be an 323 00:12:39,065 --> 00:12:41,965 early adopter versus waiting and learning from others? 324 00:12:42,184 --> 00:12:44,044 And regardless of this decision, 325 00:12:44,424 --> 00:12:48,205 understanding the technology and what needs to change 326 00:12:49,080 --> 00:12:51,879 in order for us to be successful. So 327 00:12:51,879 --> 00:12:54,220 is that how we document, how we communicate? 328 00:12:54,759 --> 00:12:57,080 Do we need to focus on delegation, on 329 00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:59,340 trust, diligence, attention to detail? 330 00:12:59,960 --> 00:13:00,860 So in summary, 331 00:13:01,295 --> 00:13:02,754 we must embrace technology, 332 00:13:03,215 --> 00:13:06,014 we must standardize and integrate our solutions and 333 00:13:06,014 --> 00:13:06,514 platforms, 334 00:13:06,894 --> 00:13:09,955 and we must prepare our teams for success, 335 00:13:10,095 --> 00:13:12,195 and that has to start now. 336 00:13:13,295 --> 00:13:16,014 I think that's very well said. Obviously, I 337 00:13:16,014 --> 00:13:18,039 think one of the ways a system can 338 00:13:18,039 --> 00:13:21,000 get away from being stagnant or remaining stagnant 339 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:22,139 is embracing 340 00:13:22,519 --> 00:13:24,360 emerging tech and and just, you know, figuring 341 00:13:24,360 --> 00:13:26,600 out which emerging techs can can help a 342 00:13:26,600 --> 00:13:29,720 system thrive and and be efficient and saving 343 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:32,294 time and and and effort, as you were 344 00:13:32,294 --> 00:13:33,115 saying, Cynthia. 345 00:13:34,294 --> 00:13:36,455 The last thing I wanna ask you, where 346 00:13:36,455 --> 00:13:38,294 do you see the best opportunities for growth 347 00:13:38,294 --> 00:13:39,115 in the future? 348 00:13:41,894 --> 00:13:43,975 You know, I I I think I have 349 00:13:43,975 --> 00:13:46,054 to I'm I'm gonna have to to side 350 00:13:46,054 --> 00:13:47,790 with AI on this one. It it is 351 00:13:47,790 --> 00:13:50,990 the continued evolution of AI as a resource 352 00:13:50,990 --> 00:13:51,970 for all clinicians. 353 00:13:52,430 --> 00:13:54,690 I think AI has has a true, 354 00:13:56,750 --> 00:14:00,110 potential to remove burden and allow higher levels 355 00:14:00,110 --> 00:14:00,850 of care, 356 00:14:01,274 --> 00:14:03,214 actually elevating the practice 357 00:14:03,595 --> 00:14:06,254 of all of our disciplines, including RNs, 358 00:14:06,794 --> 00:14:09,674 and supporting a higher level of quality safer 359 00:14:09,674 --> 00:14:10,174 care, 360 00:14:10,714 --> 00:14:13,034 better outcomes, reduce cost of care, all of 361 00:14:13,034 --> 00:14:13,774 these things. 362 00:14:14,419 --> 00:14:16,740 We are starting to lean into generative AI 363 00:14:16,740 --> 00:14:17,480 for sure. 364 00:14:18,100 --> 00:14:20,500 Looking at predictive AI, we have some of 365 00:14:20,500 --> 00:14:22,500 that happening as well that that really has 366 00:14:22,500 --> 00:14:24,360 the potential for safer outcomes. 367 00:14:24,740 --> 00:14:26,600 And I have my eye on the development 368 00:14:26,740 --> 00:14:29,404 of the more autonomous AIs and how these 369 00:14:29,404 --> 00:14:31,965 are being developed and tested with a sharp 370 00:14:31,965 --> 00:14:34,605 eye on safety and guard rails and guard 371 00:14:34,605 --> 00:14:35,745 rails, but definitely 372 00:14:36,685 --> 00:14:40,225 definitely showing curiosity about the possibilities around that. 373 00:14:40,589 --> 00:14:41,709 I think, you know, some of the things 374 00:14:41,709 --> 00:14:43,389 that we have to watch for with those 375 00:14:43,389 --> 00:14:46,449 more autonomous models are are really strict guardrail 376 00:14:46,509 --> 00:14:47,009 parameters, 377 00:14:47,389 --> 00:14:50,129 keeping clinicians closely in the loop and ultimately 378 00:14:50,190 --> 00:14:53,389 in the driver's seat always with safety checks. 379 00:14:53,870 --> 00:14:54,370 And, 380 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:57,605 this, you know, this is a really 381 00:14:57,985 --> 00:14:58,485 exciting 382 00:14:58,865 --> 00:14:59,365 time, 383 00:14:59,985 --> 00:15:02,565 and we must approach this with a heightened 384 00:15:02,625 --> 00:15:03,125 diligence 385 00:15:04,304 --> 00:15:06,245 and the highest of intention 386 00:15:07,024 --> 00:15:09,504 in order to realize the true opportunity and 387 00:15:09,504 --> 00:15:10,004 benefits 388 00:15:10,490 --> 00:15:13,049 of the technology solutions that are that are 389 00:15:13,049 --> 00:15:14,509 arising within health care. 390 00:15:15,929 --> 00:15:17,610 Cynthia, thank you so much for joining us 391 00:15:17,610 --> 00:15:19,690 on podcast. It was a wonderful conversation. I 392 00:15:19,690 --> 00:15:21,389 look forward to working with you again soon. 393 00:15:22,490 --> 00:15:24,490 Thank you so much. Thank you for having 394 00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:24,990 me. 395 00:15:27,245 --> 00:15:27,985 At athenahealth, 396 00:15:28,365 --> 00:15:31,024 we know your ambulatory practice wants healthier, 397 00:15:31,404 --> 00:15:34,284 a healthier business, healthier care teams, and healthier 398 00:15:34,284 --> 00:15:34,784 patients. 399 00:15:35,164 --> 00:15:37,485 But the complexities of modern health care tech 400 00:15:37,485 --> 00:15:39,325 make it hard for you and your care 401 00:15:39,325 --> 00:15:41,230 teams to focus on what matters most? 402 00:15:41,690 --> 00:15:43,389 That's where athenahealth can help. 403 00:15:43,690 --> 00:15:46,490 Our AI native all in one solutions reduce 404 00:15:46,490 --> 00:15:47,629 administrative burdens, 405 00:15:47,929 --> 00:15:50,970 streamline billing and payments, and deliver critical insights 406 00:15:50,970 --> 00:15:52,424 when clinicians need it most. 407 00:15:52,904 --> 00:15:55,485 That means fewer clicks, more time for patients, 408 00:15:55,625 --> 00:15:57,164 and stronger bottom lines. 409 00:15:57,784 --> 00:16:00,985 Practicing medicine is complex, but running a practice 410 00:16:00,985 --> 00:16:02,845 can be that much simpler with athenahealth. 411 00:16:03,544 --> 00:16:07,245 See how simpler is healthier at athenahealth.com.